888 Poker Canada Review [2025]

Updated: October 10, 2024 by James Sterling

888 Poker has been a major player in the online gambling industry for years, but how does it stack up for Canadian users? In this review, I'll dive deep into the platform's offerings, from its game selection and bonuses to its security measures and customer support. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, I'll help you determine if 888 Poker is the right choice for your online poker adventures in the Great White North.

What Is 888 Poker?

888 Poker is a leading online poker platform that's part of the larger 888 Holdings family. As an expert from BestCasinoCanada, I've found it to be a popular choice among Canadian players. The site offers a wide range of poker games, tournaments, and betting options tailored to suit various skill levels and bankrolls.

Founded in 1997, 888 Poker has built a solid reputation in the online gambling industry. It's known for its user-friendly interface, diverse game selection, and robust security measures. The platform is licensed and regulated by multiple jurisdictions, including the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner and the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring fair play and player protection.

For Canadian poker enthusiasts, 888 Poker provides a dedicated .ca domain, offering a localized experience with Canadian-friendly payment options and customer support. The site supports both desktop and mobile play, allowing users to enjoy their favorite poker games on the go.

Website Screenshot

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888 Poker stands out with its innovative features like:

• SNAP Poker: A fast-fold variant for quick-paced action
• Poker Freerolls: Free-to-enter tournaments with real money prizes
• Webcam Poker: Face-to-face online games for a more immersive experience
• 888poker Club: A loyalty program rewarding regular players

With its comprehensive offerings and focus on player satisfaction, 888 Poker has established itself as a go-to destination for online poker in Canada.

888 Poker's History in Canada

888 Poker's journey in Canada began in the early 2000s, shortly after its global launch in 1997. As an expert from BestCasinoCanada, I've tracked 888 Poker's growth in the Canadian market closely. The platform quickly gained traction among Canadian players due to its user-friendly interface and diverse game offerings.

In 2010, 888 Poker made a significant move by launching a dedicated .ca domain for Canadian players. This localized approach allowed them to offer tailored services, including Canadian-friendly payment methods and customer support in both English and French.

888 Poker's commitment to the Canadian market was further solidified in 2013 when they introduced SNAP Poker, a fast-fold variant that became incredibly popular with Canadian players seeking quick-paced action. This innovation helped cement 888 Poker's position as a leading online poker destination in Canada.

Throughout its history in Canada, 888 Poker has consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of Canadian players. They've introduced mobile gaming options, enhanced their tournament offerings, and continually updated their software to ensure a seamless playing experience.

888 Poker's growth in Canada hasn't been without challenges. The platform has navigated changing regulations and increased competition in the online poker market. However, their commitment to player safety, fair gaming, and continuous innovation has helped them maintain a strong presence in the Canadian online poker landscape.

Today, 888 Poker remains one of the top choices for Canadian poker enthusiasts. Their history in Canada is marked by steady growth, technological advancements, and a deep understanding of the Canadian poker market. As they continue to evolve, 888 Poker's legacy in Canada serves as a testament to their enduring appeal and reliability in the online poker industry.

Game Selection at 888 Poker

888 Poker offers a diverse range of poker games to cater to players of all skill levels and preferences. I've explored their game selection extensively and found it to be comprehensive and engaging.

Cash Games

888 Poker's cash game selection is impressive, featuring popular variants like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. I've noticed they offer tables with stakes ranging from micro to high limits, accommodating both casual players and serious grinders. The platform's SNAP Poker, a fast-fold variant, is particularly exciting for those seeking quick action. Players can join multiple tables simultaneously, maximizing their playing time and potential winnings.

Tournaments

The tournament schedule at 888 Poker is packed with options for Canadian players. I've participated in their daily and weekly events, which include freerolls, guaranteed prize pool tournaments, and satellite qualifiers for larger series. The platform hosts popular tournament series like XL Championships and Super XL Series, offering substantial prize pools. Notably, their "The Whale" tournament on Sundays boasts a $150,000 guaranteed prize pool, attracting serious players from across Canada.

Sit & Go's

888 Poker's Sit & Go offerings are perfect for players looking for quick tournament-style action. I've found a variety of formats available, including regular, turbo, and super-turbo speed Sit & Go's. The buy-ins range from $1 to $1,000, catering to all bankroll sizes. Particularly popular are the Jackpot Sit & Go's, where players can win up to 10,000 times their buy-in. These fast-paced, three-player tournaments provide an adrenaline rush and the chance for significant payouts in a short amount of time.

Software and Mobile App

888 Poker's software and mobile app offer a seamless gaming experience for Canadian players. I've thoroughly tested both platforms to provide an accurate assessment of their features and performance.

Desktop Platform

The 888 Poker desktop client is a robust and user-friendly platform. It's compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, ensuring accessibility for most Canadian users. The software boasts a clean interface with intuitive navigation, making it easy for players to find their preferred games and tournaments.

Key features of the desktop platform include:

• Quick seat functionality for instant game access
• Customizable table layouts and backgrounds
• Multi-tabling support for up to 16 tables
• Built-in hand history and statistics tools
• Smooth gameplay with minimal lag or connectivity issues

The lobby is well-organized, with clear filters for game types, stakes, and tournament schedules. This design allows players to quickly locate their desired games without confusion.

Mobile Experience

888 Poker's mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices, catering to the growing demand for on-the-go gaming in Canada. The app maintains the core functionality of the desktop version while optimizing the interface for smaller screens.

Notable aspects of the mobile experience include:

• Portrait and landscape modes for flexible gameplay
• Touch-friendly controls for easy betting and game selection
• Quick Seat option for swift access to cash games
• Push notifications for tournament reminders and promotions
• Seamless integration with the desktop client for account management

The app's performance is impressive, with fast loading times and stable connections across various mobile networks. While multi-tabling is limited compared to the desktop version, the app still allows players to enjoy up to four tables simultaneously on tablets.

In terms of game selection, the mobile app offers a comprehensive range of cash games, tournaments, and Sit & Go's. However, some specialized formats like SNAP Poker may have limited availability during off-peak hours.

Bonuses and Promotions for Canadian Players

888 Poker offers Canadian players a variety of enticing bonuses and promotions. These incentives enhance the gaming experience and provide additional value for both new and existing players.

Welcome Bonus

888 Poker's welcome bonus for Canadian players is a 100% match up to C$400 on their first deposit. This bonus is released in C$10 increments for every 100 Status Points earned. Players have 90 days to clear the bonus, making it accessible for both casual and regular players. To claim the bonus, new users must enter the promo code "WELCOME100" when making their initial deposit.

Ongoing Promotions

888 Poker keeps Canadian players engaged with a range of ongoing promotions:

1. Daily Freerolls: Multiple free tournaments with real money prizes run daily.
2. The Gift Showers: Monthly promotion offering cash prizes and tournament tickets.
3. Rake or Break: Players receive rakeback if they don't win within an hour of play.
4. 888poker Club: A loyalty program rewarding regular play with points redeemable for cash and prizes.
5. XL Championship Series: Periodic tournament series with guaranteed prize pools exceeding C$1 million.

These promotions are subject to change, so I recommend checking 888 Poker's promotions page for the most up-to-date offers. The site's commitment to regular promotions ensures Canadian players always have exciting opportunities to boost their bankrolls.

Banking Options for Canadians

888 Poker offers a variety of secure and convenient banking options for Canadian players. I've found their payment system to be reliable, with multiple choices for both deposits and withdrawals.

Deposits

Canadian players can easily fund their 888 Poker accounts using several methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted, allowing for instant deposits.
• E-wallets: Skrill and NETELLER provide quick and secure transactions.
• Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are available for those who prefer traditional banking methods.
• Interac: A popular option for Canadians, offering fast and secure deposits.
• iDebit: An online payment system that connects directly with Canadian banks.
• MuchBetter: A mobile payment app that's gaining popularity among online poker players.

Minimum deposit amounts vary by method but typically start at C$10. Most deposits are processed instantly, allowing you to start playing right away.

Withdrawals

When it's time to cash out your winnings, 888 Poker provides several withdrawal options:

• E-wallets: Skrill and NETELLER offer the fastest withdrawal times, usually within 24 hours.
• Bank Transfers: Direct to your Canadian bank account, taking 2-7 business days.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Withdrawals to Visa and Mastercard can take 3-5 business days.
• Checks: Physical checks can be mailed but take the longest, up to 14 business days.

Withdrawal limits depend on your account status and chosen method. VIP players often enjoy higher limits and faster processing times. It's important to note that 888 Poker may require identity verification before processing your first withdrawal, a standard security measure in the online gambling industry.

Security and Fair Play

At BestCasinoCanada, I prioritize player safety and fairness in my reviews. 888 Poker excels in both areas, providing a secure and trustworthy environment for Canadian players.

Licensing and Regulation

888 Poker operates under licenses from multiple respected regulatory bodies:

• Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
• UK Gambling Commission
• Malta Gaming Authority

These licenses ensure 888 Poker adheres to strict standards of player protection, fair gaming, and responsible gambling practices.

Encryption and Data Protection

888 Poker uses industry-standard SSL encryption to safeguard player data:

• 128-bit SSL encryption for all transactions
• Secure storage of personal and financial information
• Regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities

Random Number Generator (RNG)

To guarantee fair play, 888 Poker employs a certified Random Number Generator:

• Tested and certified by eCOGRA
• Regular audits to ensure continued fairness
• Publicly available RNG certificates

Responsible Gambling Tools

888 Poker offers a range of responsible gambling features:

• Deposit limits
• Loss limits
• Session time reminders
• Self-exclusion options
• Links to problem gambling support organizations

These tools help Canadian players maintain control over their gaming habits and promote a safe gambling environment.

Customer Support for Canadian Users

At 888 Poker, Canadian players have access to a robust customer support system designed to address their concerns promptly and efficiently. I've found that the support team is well-equipped to handle a wide range of issues, from technical glitches to account-related queries.

Available Support Channels

888 Poker offers multiple channels for Canadian users to reach out for assistance:

• Live Chat: Available 24/7 for instant support
• Email: For non-urgent inquiries or detailed explanations
• Phone: Toll-free number for Canadian players
• FAQ Section: Comprehensive self-help resource

Response Times and Quality of Service

In my experience, 888 Poker's support team delivers quick and effective solutions:

• Live Chat: Average response time of 2-3 minutes
• Email: Replies typically within 24 hours
• Phone: Wait times rarely exceed 5 minutes

The quality of service is consistently high, with support agents demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the platform and Canadian-specific concerns.

Language Support

Canadian players benefit from bilingual support:

• English: Available across all channels
• French: Dedicated support team for French-speaking Canadians

This ensures that both anglophone and francophone players receive assistance in their preferred language.

Canadian-Specific Support

888 Poker's support team is well-versed in Canadian gambling regulations and regional issues:

• Guidance on Canadian tax implications for poker winnings
• Information on province-specific gambling laws
• Assistance with Canadian banking methods and currency conversion

By offering tailored support for Canadian users, 888 Poker demonstrates its commitment to providing a seamless gaming experience for players across the country.

Pros and Cons of 888 Poker in Canada

My Verdict

888 Poker is a strong option for Canadian players looking for a reliable and feature-packed online poker experience. With its secure platform, diverse game options, and solid customer support, it stands out in the Canadian market. While there are some areas for improvement, both beginners and experienced players can benefit from its tailored approach for Canadians. As with any online gambling platform, it's wise to weigh the pros and cons before playing, but 888 Poker is certainly worth considering for those looking to enjoy online poker.

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